Cheap Apartments for Rent in West Des Moines, IA from $500 (171 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in West Des Moines.

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The Flats Apartments
Rent Specials
$749 - $1,171
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$749 - $1,171
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Flats Apartments

3000 University AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Corporate Housing
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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Meadow Ridge
$989 - $1,139
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$989 - $1,139
Total Monthly Price
$989 - $1,139
2 Bedroom Apartments Available May 1

Meadow Ridge

1301 49th StWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Wellington Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,055 - $2,227
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,055 - $2,227
Total Monthly Price
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Wellington Apartments

4700 EP True PkyWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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West Des Moines, IA Local Guide

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Cheapest Available West Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in West Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+ in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood priced from $600. The View On Hickman in the Windsor Heights neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $625. Here is today’s list of the most affordable West Des Moines apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+Studio - Retirement CommunityStudio,1BA$600
The View On HickmanNew Build Apartment Available for Immediate Mov...Studio,1BA$625
Lenox PropertiesGreenwood AStudio,1BA$635
Urban Heights0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$675
Hampton House ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$699
The McCoy at 8035 Apartments - CliveUp to $1200 Rent Credit! Call for Details!Studio,1BA$705
The Flats ApartmentsSandstone1BR,1BA$749
Douglas Park Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$750
Westpointe ApartmentsWashingtonStudio,1BA$755

Best Value Apartments for Rent in West Des Moines, IA

As of April 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the West Des Moines area is the $1.04 price per square foot Platinum Pointe - 3 Bed Model at Platinum Pointe Townhomes in the starting from $2,500. The second greatest value West Des Moines apartment is the 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Model at Normandy Terrace Apartments starting at $900 with a $0.60 price per square foot in the Golf & Country Club neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for West Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Platinum Pointe TownhomesPlatinum Pointe - 3 Bed3BR,3BA$1.04
Normandy Terrace Apartments2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$0.60
Maplewood Townhouses2 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhomes2BR,2BA$1.04
Sunrise MeadowsB2 - Barbados2BR,2BA$1.09
Boulder Ridge Apartment HomesTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.09
Hamlet ApartmentsB22BR,2BA$1.07
Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale2 BD Oak2BR,1BA$1.02
Clover HillsB1 Renovated2BR,1.5BA$1.06
Douglas Park Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$0.94
1136 1/2 68th St, Unit 1136 121136 1/2 68th St1BR,1BA$0.99

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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West Des Moines Overview

West Des Moines is a nice, medium-sized town with just over 56,000 residents. Over the years, it has made many of the top 100 lists of best places to live as well as one of the best Hipster Cities in 2014 and 2015. This is due to the combination of great people, great food, and a fun loving and inclusive culture.

Why live in West Des Moines, IA?

There are a lot of things that make West Des Moines a special place to live, and that starts with Historic Valley Junction. It is a great place to shop or relax at a cafe. Add to that, the variety of companies to work for, and you've got a great town for both business and fun. Situated in the Raccoon River valley, the area provides lots of places to enjoy the great outdoors especially in the summer months. Finally, you won't find nicer or more welcoming people anywhere. You will feel as if you are part of the community as soon as you start looking for apartments in West Des Moines.

West Des Moines, IA
Population: 66,641

Ranked #556

in US Census Population by City

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Best Local Schools in
West Des Moines, IA

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore West Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap West Des Moines Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in West Des Moines?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in West Des Moines is at Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+ listed at $600.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom West Des Moines Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom West Des Moines Apartment is $640 at Plymouth Place Retirement Community 62+.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom West Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in West Des Moines is starting from $750 at Douglas Park Apartments.

What is the most affordable West Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap West Des Moines Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Briarwood Grand Apartments and starts from $1,075.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa article

A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa

Written by: Joseph Isenberg

I'm Joe, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Des Moines and Central Iowa. My parents moved to Central Iowa in 1967, and my family has been here ever since.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.